Dear friends, esteemed representatives of the Ukrainian community in Turkmenistan, students and parents of the Sunday School, members of the Ukrainian Conversation Club, distinguished guests!

We sincerely thank all of you who have joined us today at the Embassy of Ukraine to celebrate our most important national holiday – the Independence Day of Ukraine. Thirty-four years ago, on August 24, 1991, the Ukrainian people made their historic choice – to restore the independence of their state after many years of occupation by the Kremlin’s communist regime. This choice was the result of centuries of struggle by our ancestors for freedom and dignity, and it opened a new chapter in the history of Europe and the world. On that day, millions of Ukrainians gained the opportunity to build their future in a free country where freedom and dignity became fundamental values.

For Ukrainians, independence is not only a political status. It is a symbol of willpower, the right to live in one’s own home, to speak one’s language, to preserve one’s culture, and to raise children in the spirit of dignity. For more than three and a half years already, Ukraine has bravely resisted the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Despite all the losses and suffering, the Ukrainian people have managed to stand firm, to demonstrate to the world the strength of unity, devotion to freedom, and commitment to democracy.

Despite the enemy’s brutal strikes, Ukraine continues to demonstrate extraordinary resilience. Since the beginning of the war, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have liberated over 40% of the territories captured by Russia after February 24, 2022, sent a third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet to the bottom, and proved that even with far fewer resources it is possible to defeat a stronger enemy. A year ago, Ukrainian forces not only managed to hold back the aggressor on our land, but also brought the fighting onto the enemy’s territory, which allowed us to protect our border towns and villages from shelling and return home more than a thousand Ukrainian prisoners of war. This year, the world was struck by the lightning-fast operation “Web,” which inflicted the most devastating blow in history on Russia’s strategic aviation.

In spite of the enemy’s attempts to destroy our country, Ukraine has managed to remain resilient. We are grateful to all our partners, including Turkmenistan, for their military, financial, and humanitarian assistance. Thanks to this support, our state continues to ensure the functioning of schools and hospitals, as well as the payment of salaries and pensions. Our Ukrainian farmers, despite constant shelling, provide the world with grain and food products. Ukraine’s defense industry is increasing the production of modern weapons, which every day save the lives of our soldiers and civilians and allow us to give the enemy a worthy rebuff.

Yesterday, on August 23, millions of Ukrainians in Ukraine and across the world celebrated the Day of the National Flag. It can be said with confidence that the blue and yellow banner, symbolizing the clear sky and generous fields, flies not only above our cities and villages but also in the hearts of all Ukrainians. It has become a recognized symbol of resilience and courage across the world. Under this flag our defenders fight, and under it we build our independent future.

Dear friends! You, Ukrainians in Turkmenistan and Turkmens with Ukrainian roots, are an important part of our great Ukrainian family. Your desire to study our language and traditions, to nurture our culture, and to pass it all on to your children is also a peaceful struggle for independence. We thank all the students of our Sunday School, you, dear parents, and everyone who takes part in the life of this Ukrainian community in Turkmenistan. Believe, today, even while being far from the Homeland, you are helping to preserve Ukraine.

Today, Ukraine is a symbol of freedom for many nations. We are confident: the independence we gained in 1991 and are defending now will be preserved. Ukraine will outlive all enemies and hardships, just as it has throughout a thousand years of its rich history, and, in the end, will emerge even stronger, freer, and more successful.

Happy Independence Day, dear friends! Glory to Ukraine!